Innovation Manager

MWH Treatment; Hattersley; On-site; GBP 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

MWH Treatment is seeking an Innovation Manager to shape and deliver our innovation strategy across the water and infrastructure sectors. You will identify new opportunities, technologies and ways of working that improve project delivery and value for customers.

Working with clients, suppliers and academia, you will turn ideas into practical solutions, leading pilots and business case development, and fostering a culture of curiosity and continuous improvement across the organization.

Qualifications

• Significant experience leading innovation programmes in complex operational environments.
• Proven ability to take ideas from concept through pilot, validation and implementation.
• Strong commercial awareness with ability to assess opportunities, risks and business value.
• Experience developing business cases and securing stakeholder support for innovation initiatives.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement our innovation strategy and roadmap.
• Create and manage an innovation pipeline that progresses ideas from concept to implementation.
• Identify emerging technologies, industry trends and new delivery approaches that can provide competitive advantage.
• Lead pilot projects and proof-of-concept initiatives to validate new ideas and solutions.
• Build strong relationships with clients, suppliers, technology providers, industry bodies and academia to accelerate innovation opportunities.
• Develop compelling business cases that demonstrate value, investment requirements and expected benefits.
• Foster a culture of innovation, encouraging collaboration, creativity and continuous improvement across the business.
• Represent MWH Treatment externally, showcasing innovation capability and supporting strategic client engagement.

Skills

Innovation leadership

Stakeholder management

Commercial awareness

Business case development

Strategic improvement

Education

Degree-level qualification

Job description

Purpose of the Role

We are seeking an Innovation Manager to shape and deliver our innovation strategy, identifying new opportunities, technologies and ways of working that improve how we deliver projects and create value for our customers.

Working across the business and with external partners, you will turn ideas into practical solutions, leading innovation from concept through to pilot and business case development. This is a key leadership role focused on keeping MWH Treatment at the forefront of innovation within the water and infrastructure sector.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement our innovation strategy and roadmap.
• Create and manage an innovation pipeline that progresses ideas from concept to implementation.
• Identify emerging technologies, industry trends and new delivery approaches that can provide competitive advantage.
• Lead pilot projects and proof-of-concept initiatives to validate new ideas and solutions.
• Build strong relationships with clients, suppliers, technology providers, industry bodies and academia to accelerate innovation opportunities.
• Develop compelling business cases that demonstrate value, investment requirements and expected benefits.
• Foster a culture of innovation, encouraging collaboration, creativity and continuous improvement across the business.
• Represent MWH Treatment externally, showcasing innovation capability and supporting strategic client engagement.

Essential Criteria

• Significant experience leading innovation, transformation, digital or strategic improvement programmes within a complex operational environment.
• Proven ability to take ideas from concept through pilot, validation and implementation.
• Strong commercial awareness with the ability to assess opportunities, risks and business value.
• Experience developing business cases and securing stakeholder support for innovation initiatives.
• Excellent stakeholder management and influencing skills, with the credibility to engage senior leaders, clients and partners.
• Passion for driving innovation and creating a culture that encourages new thinking and continuous improvement.

Desirable Criteria

• Desirable CriteriaExperience within the water, utilities, engineering, construction or infrastructure sectors.
• Experience applying AI, automation, digital technologies, data analytics or modern methods of construction to improve business performance.
• Experience working with technology providers, academia, research organisations or innovation networks.
• Evidence of industry thought leadership, external representation or innovation-related achievements.
• Degree-level qualification or equivalent experience in engineering, technology, innovation, business transformation or a related discipline.